Latest KFF Health News Stories
Selling The Health Benefits Of Tap Water, In An Age Of Flint
Public health officials in Colorado are battling a stigma against drinking tap water, especially in some Latino communities.
Needle Exchanges Can Now Get Federal Funding
Proponents hail the change in policy but say it doesn’t go far enough because federal dollars cannot be used to buy syringes.
Health Reform Roils Downton Abbey
The hospital consolidation plot in the final season of the beloved British series is historically accurate — and has parallels in today’s U.S. health industry.
Alabama Puts Hospitals At Forefront Of Medicaid Managed Care
As officials seek to take control of costs in the health coverage for low-income residents, they are relying on hospitals, not private insurance companies, to run the program.
Insurers And Medicare Agree On Measures Tracking Doctors’ Quality
The first set of measures focus on seven types of care, including for hearts and cancer. The metrics will be integrated into formulas that determine physicians’ pay.
Some health professionals worry that the task force’s findings could result in missed opportunities for early intervention.
In Freddie Gray’s Neighborhood, The Best Medical Care Is Close But Elusive
Last year’s Baltimore unrest highlighted deep distrust between police and poor African-Americans. Dozens of interviews and little-seen data show a similar gap between that community and the city’s renowned health system.
Quest For Blood Pressure Cuff Highlights Inequality
For a West Baltimore woman, buying a blood pressure cuff means hours on the road.
At Clinic, Poverty Magnifies Health Problems
Staff see high rates of chronic illness and mental health issues related to trauma.
Hospital Trying To Win Community’s Trust
Bon Secours is dealing with patients who are sicker than those in other Baltimore hospitals.
Delay Of New Health Law Forms May Confuse Some Taxpayers
Employers, insurers and government health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid are required to send taxpayers a form showing whether they provided health care but the government has pushed back the deadline for the forms.
Top Hospitals Likely Are Available On A Marketplace Plan, Study Finds
Many of the hospitals can be found in network on at least one plan, but fewer are participating in more than that, according to the analysis.
Farm Contractors Balk At Obamacare Requirements
The federal health law is putting farmers in a tough spot. Many contractors supplying workers have to offer health coverage. Insurance is costly, and contractors worry about immigration fallout.
Blue Shield Top Choice On California Exchange
Anthem sign-ups are trailing, and UnitedHealth and newcomer Oscar are playing a minor role in coverage thus far, according to unofficial reports.
Narrow Marketplace Plans In Texas Pose Problems For Autistic Children
The move away from policies that allow families to seek out-of-network care is forcing many parents with autistic children to consider covering therapy costs themselves.
Some Dialysis Patients Give Medicare Failing Grade On Ambulance Trial
A Medicare trial aimed at averting billing fraud and waste in nonemergency ambulance service in eight states is drawing complaints from patients’ families and ambulance companies.
A Voter’s Guide To The Health Law
Candidates — on both sides — are bending the facts about the Affordable Care Act.
Study: 29 Percent Of Colonoscopy Patients May Have Unneeded Pre-Screening Visits
Primary care doctors can do the initial screening and recommendations for a colonoscopy, the researchers write in JAMA.
2016 Obamacare Enrollment Tops Expectations At 12.7 Million
About 4 million people signed up for health coverage for the first time, reports the Health and Human Services Department.
Cutting Edge DNA Technology Could Boost Cystic Fibrosis Screening For Newborns
Researchers say tests could be faster, cheaper, more accurate.
